Southern Methodist University will create, expand, and impart knowledge through teaching, research, and service, shaping world changers who contribute to their communities and excel in their professions in a global society. Among its faculty, students, and staff, the University will cultivate principled thought, develop intellectual skills, and promote an environment emphasizing individual dignity and worth. SMU affirms its historical commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry, to moral and ethical values, and to its United Methodist heritage
SMU embraces excellence, integrity, intellectual freedom, open dialogue, diversity and inclusion.
Excellence: We cultivate an enduring spirit of inquiry, innovation and creativity, fostering impactful research, inspired teaching and life-long learning.
Integrity: We value truth and conduct ourselves with honesty and strong moral and ethical principles.
Intellectual freedom: We embrace freedom of ideas and expression.
Open dialogue: We welcome opportunities to exchange diverse perspectives and pledge ourselves to civil discourse.
Diversity and Inclusion: We are all strengthened by different perspectives based on our varied identities and life experiences, and embrace the worth and dignity of all people. SMU students say it well: Every Mustang is valued.